Charles R. Cordell

Hesperus resident Charles R. Cordell died of heart failure Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012, at his home. He was 63.

Known as “Charlie,” he was born to Charles and Wilma Cordell on Aug. 23, 1949, in Delta.

In March 1972, he married Bonnie Cook in Breen.

He was a cowboy and worked for numerous ranchers, including the Greers and the Pollacks, herding, cutting and branding cattle. Mr. Cordell spent many summers herding sheep and cattle on Molas and Piedra mountains. During the fall, he worked as a hunting guide.

Mr. Cordell also logged for the San Juan Lumber Co. when it still had a mill in Durango, and he worked on road maintenance for La Plata County. His family said he drove some of the first nails at Tamarron Resort.

He was a charter member of the Fort Lewis Mesa Fire Protection District and served as a volunteer for 24 years, eventually achieving the rank of captain.

“Charlie was one of the last true cowboys,” his family said. “He will be forever missed by those who love him.”

Mr. Cordell is survived by his wife of 40 years, Bonnie Cordell of Hesperus; children Troy Cordell of Arizona and Regan Perez and Charlotte Cordell, both of New Mexico; mother, Wilma Cordell of Colorado; sister, Beverly Cordell of Colorado; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Friends and family are invited to eat and celebrate his life at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012, at the Marvel Grange, 217 County Road 133A.